Saipem 7000 suffers lifting accident off Norway | Saipem 7000

An incident during a lifting operation onboard crane vessel Saipem 7000 on Thursday morning left the ship listing in a channel north of Stavanger, Norway.

The 198m semi-submersible crane vessel (SSCV) reportedly suffered a partial capsize in the Åmøyfjorden channel, north of Stavanger.

As of Thursday afternoon, the vessel has reportedly been righted, having sustained serious damage.

According to reports from Norway’s central rescue centre (HRS), which co-ordinates land, sea and air search and rescue operations, the ship tilted while conducting a lifting operation.

Barges next to the crane vessel also reportedly suffered “major damage” and have capsized.

Broadcaster NRK said eyewitnesses it had spoken to heard loud bangs at 10:00 local time, shortly before the ship began to tilt.

“A steel cable broke during a loading operation,” police commissioner Brit Randulff later informed AFP.

“Witnesses heard a loud bang, but there was no indication of an explosion,” he clarified.

The Norwegian Maritime Directorate announced it would carry out inspections and port state inspections of the vessel “as soon as the situation allows.”

Video on social media shows the extent of the listing, and subsequent damage.